Dr. Nancy Vera

An Outstanding Islander

Promoting Civility

University alumnus Dr. Nancy Vera had traveled throughout the nation for almost 10 years as an educator representative before finding her way back to Corpus Christi, Texas, where she dreams of one day establishing a peace and social justice center.

“I visited cities in Texas and almost every state in the country, and it was an exciting experience,” said Vera. “But I got tired of flying in airplanes and decided I could make a difference in a child’s life right here in my hometown.”

Vera, who received her degrees from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, including her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, has helped many children in the city. Together, Vera and Gloria Hicks identified student needs and raised more than $60,000 for equipment, T-shirts, reading and math software, and motivational banners for Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi. Vera later spearheaded the effort to name Gloria Hicks Elementary School after the philanthropist.

Vera, who teaches English Language Arts at Carroll High School, specializes in working with at-risk students who are in danger of dropping out and live in poverty. Throughout her teaching career, Vera has created many programs to assist her students in achieving academic success, such as the Cocoa Café, where students take part in study sessions and are provided with refreshments.

“I live a lifestyle that is about lifting people up,” said Vera. “I focus on helping the disenfranchised and the marginalized, and I work to promote social justice and peace.”

Vera is President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council No. 4444. She pioneered “Operation Right Track” a public campaign to raise awareness about gang violence, drug, and alcohol abuse. Under Vera’s leadership, Operation Right Track accepted a $10,000 donation from the Scripps Howard Foundation to pilot a gang prevention program. Her LULAC Council also hosts a yearly “Celebration of Family” banquet to honor parents for their leadership role in raising their children.

Dr. Vera is preparing an upcoming “Inspirational Voyages” virtual museum depicting the history of Mexican-Americans in Corpus Christi to be shared with schools, colleges, and universities.

“My motto has always been to use your hardships and suffering in life as reasons to succeed and not as excuses to fail,” said Vera.